8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 The Message (MSG)

Usually we hear these verses talked about at Christmas time…but today I want to bring out a wonderful, wonderful, emotion…

Great JOY!

I’ve found that there is no greater JOY than the arrival of a new baby…boy, or, girl, makes no difference. The parents are bursting with happiness and GREAT JOY. I’m going to say that a lot…GREAT JOY, GREAT JOY…GREAT JOY!

The proud grandparents, step-grands, uncles and siblings-everyone is filled with GREAT JOY because of the arrival of a new life!

That’s what God’s angel was talking about when he spoke to the shepherd’s all those years ago concerning, Jesus, God’s son! God the Father sent out the announcement and hand delivered it to the lowliest of people…sheepherders, and animals in a tiny barn in Bethlehem. WOW! The savior of the world is born.

But what a grand announcement it is…The Light of God’s glory burst on the scene…God’s special messenger speaks up and says…Hey, don’t be afraid…I’m here to give you GREAT JOY…the Messiah is born!

Catch a glimpse of Him in your heart today…let that GREAT JOY spring out from your inner being, get excited…sing…jump…dance…let people wonder what in the world is going on with you? JOY IS CONTAGIOUS…

JOY causes exuberance in the spirit and you not only smile from ear to ear, you actually glow….

Whatever is causing you to have the absence of GREAT JOY in your life today…put it aside, your choice, right now and receive God’s GREAT JOY!!! If you have to literally make yourself laugh out loud…JUST DO IT! You will be amazed how it will change your whole perspective for this day! God bless you! I speak GREAT JOY over you today!

Let’s pray…Father in the name of your beautiful son, Jesus, I ask you to saturate all who read this with your GREAT JOY…let the Joy of the Lord catch fire in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls, and let them never recover… Amen!!!!! Yes Hilarity…let it flow…Amen!